Education & Schools

Education is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of Illinois. Strong schools prepare students for college, careers, skilled trades, and responsible citizenship. Families, teachers, and communities all play a role in helping students succeed.

Jakob believes education policy should focus on student success, parental involvement, local control, and preparing students for real-world opportunities. Every child deserves access to a safe, supportive learning environment and a quality education that meets their needs.

Supporting Students and Teachers

Teachers are the backbone of the education system, and classrooms should have the resources needed to support learning.

Jakob supports:

  • Maintaining safe and well-equipped classrooms

  • Providing teachers with practical resources and professional development

  • Encouraging collaboration between educators, parents, and administrators

  • Policies that keep the focus on student learning and academic achievement

Strong schools require strong partnerships between families and educators.

Parental Involvement and Local Control

Parents should have a meaningful voice in their children’s education. Local communities understand their schools best, and decisions should reflect the needs of students and families.

Jakob supports:

  • Transparency in curriculum and school policies

  • School boards that remain accountable to the community

  • Policies that respect parental involvement in education decisions

  • Local decision-making whenever possible

Education works best when families and schools work together.

Preparing Students for the Workforce

Not every student follows the same path after graduation. Schools should prepare students for multiple opportunities — including college, skilled trades, and technical careers.

Jakob supports:

  • Expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs

  • Apprenticeship and workforce training partnerships

  • Encouraging trade programs and certification pathways

  • Connecting schools with local employers and industries

Students should graduate ready for the next step in life.

Supporting Special Education Programs

Students with disabilities deserve access to high-quality education, individualized support, and opportunities to succeed. Families should not have to struggle to ensure their children receive the services they need.

Jakob supports:

  • Ensuring special education programs receive reliable and adequate funding

  • Providing resources and training for special education teachers and staff

  • Strengthening communication between schools and families

  • Supporting individualized education plans (IEPs) that focus on student success

  • Expanding transition programs that help students move from school into the workforce or continued education

Every student learns differently, and strong special education programs help ensure no child is left behind.

Mental Health Support

Student mental health is critical to learning and development. Schools must have the tools and resources to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Jakob supports:

  • Expanding access to school counselors, psychologists, and social workers

  • Implementing proactive mental health programs and early intervention strategies

  • Training teachers to identify students who may need support

  • Providing resources for parents to help children with mental health challenges

A healthy student is a successful student.

Funding Reform and Accountability

Illinois’ education system faces funding challenges that impact classrooms, teachers, and students. Jakob believes taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely, fairly, and efficiently.

Jakob supports:

  • Reforming school funding to ensure local control and fairness

  • Targeting resources where they are most needed — not wasting money in bureaucracy

  • Ensuring transparency and accountability in how school funds are used

  • Protecting classroom programs and essential services from budget cuts

Fair, efficient funding ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Safe Learning Environments

Students cannot learn effectively if they do not feel safe at school. Safe environments help students focus, grow, and succeed.

Jakob supports:

  • School safety planning and preparedness

  • Coordination between schools and local law enforcement

  • Anti-bullying and student support programs

  • Practical safety improvements where needed

Safe schools support strong communities.

Moving Forward

Education should empower students, support teachers, respect families, and ensure no child is left behind. By focusing on academic success, workforce readiness, mental health, special education, and responsible funding, Illinois can build a stronger future for the next generation.

Jakob is committed to policies that put students first and support families across Illinois.